Dubinsky, Carkner Ejected

Just two minutes and fifteen seconds into Game Two of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals at Madison Square Garden, a wild melee took place on the ice, setting the stage for the war that was waged between the Rangers and Senators the rest of Saturday night.

Apparantly upset that Brian Boyle had tangled with Erik Karlsson in Game One, Ottawa's Matt Carkner jumped Boyle and repeatedly punched him while Boyle was on the ice in the opening minutes of the first period. New York's Brandon Dubinsky literally jumped to his teammate's defense, and all ten players on the ice scuffled---though the only penalties doled out were to Dubinsky and Carkner, who--among other penalties that were called---were both ejected from the game.

"Dubi is big for us, and it was tough to see him kicked out that early in the game," said alternate captain Marc Staal. "It was clear (Carkner) was going after (Boyle), and he jumps him and starts punching him when he's down on the ice. It is what it is, I guess."

After the game neither Boyle nor head coach John Tortorella would discuss the incident with Carkner. Ottawa coach Paul MacLean adamantly said that he did not believe Carkner would receive a suspension for his actions.

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